Brian Little

Brian Little established himself as a distinguished figure in English football, renowned for his extensive career as both a player and manager, marked by significant success at multiple levels including three Football League Cup titles. As a player, Little spent his entire senior career at Aston Villa from 1971 to 1980, making 247 league appearances and scoring 60 goals. A talented striker, he was a key player in Villa’s FA Youth Cup-winning side in 1972 and a regular first-team presence by the 1973–74 season, contributing to the club’s ascent from the Third Division to the First Division. He secured the Football League Cup with Aston Villa twice, in 1975 and again in 1977.

This success garnered the attention of Leicester City, where he took the helm in 1991, successfully navigating the team through three successive playoff campaigns and ultimately securing their promotion to the Premier League in 1994, marking the club’s return to the top flight after a seven-year absence. In November 1994, Little made a notable return to Aston Villa, this time as manager. During his tenure, he led the club to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League during the 1995–96 season. He also clinched his third Football League Cup title – and his first as a manager – in 1996 with a dominant 3–0 victory over Leeds United, which also earned Villa qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Later, he took on the role of Jersey FA’s Director of Football from 2014, assuming the managerial position in 2016 and leading the team to a Muratti Vase victory in the same year. His lasting legacy and connection to Aston Villa were further honored in 2024 when he was named to the club’s Honorary Anniversary Board for their 150th anniversary, underscoring his enduring influence and respected position within English football.